Desea Juan Carrillo feliz 2017 a las familias isleñas

Don't miss the opportunity to take advantage the 25% discount on advanced payment of property taxes on Saturday, Dec. 31, 9am to 2pm.

"2017 will be a year of consolidation to Isla Mujeres, we will have a
year of great investment in infrastructure, culture, and development, with new hotels opening,as well as restaurants and businesses that generate new
sources of jobs for the islanders", said, Juan Carrillo.
"Let's say farewell to the year 2016 when we opened the way for new and
better times to Isla Mujeres, a year that has left us with very valuable
experiences to face the challenges of the 2017 and the future of our
families," said the Mayor, while explaining that all the
achievements were made possible by the three levels of
government working together toward the achievement of the established objectives."In the name of the City of Isla Mujeres, we wish you the
best of years, that love, faith, generosity and health will allow you to achieve what you most yearn for. Happy New Year 2017," concluded Juan
Carrillo Soberanis , municipal President of Isla Mujeres.

On Dec. 31, come and welcome the New Yoar at the Town Square with the band "Mega Boom"Don't miss it!Este 31 de diciembre ven a recibir el #AñoNuevo con el grupo “Mega Boom” en la Explanada Municipal. ¡Te esperamos!

Arrest warrant issued in assault against minor http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/se-cumplio-con-la-orden-de…Full article at this link/
The Attorney General of Quintana Roo has issued an arrest warrant against Limbert Alejandre Barrientos San Miguel, 27, in the case of the minor who received 13 knife wounds, causing him to remain in the hospital. The family had been concerned that he would be set free, but the Attorney General's office has confirmed that is not the case, and he was taken to the municipal jail when released from the Cancun General Hospital. "Now he is in the Isla Mujeres jail, and facing charges of assault against an eleven year old child."
As is known, the suspect, who had previously had a relationship with the child's mother, went into the home of the Bacab family on Monday, took advantage of the fact that the youth was alone, and assaulted him and held him for over an hour and a half.
After assaulting the child, the suspect attempted to escape justice, and he went through several nearby blocks, in the Mundaca hacienda, and during his attempted escape he suffered an injury which required medical attention.
This cowardly attack with a kitchen knife has shocked residents of Isla Mujeres, whose reactions were quickly expressed on social networks, where they condemned the action and asked for the maximum penalty, in the name of justice.
(Por Esto notes he was moved to the Isla Mujeres jail early on Friday. It says the suspect has made his declaration and the judge ordered his arrest. It says
that the suspect was detained due to assistance by neighbors, and
received a beating, as the victim lay bleeding. Por Esto says that the
circumstances of the incident are not well known, but may have been
associated with the possible engagement of the child's mother.).

Beach club closed due to disputeCierra club de playa por disputa de socios. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
A beach club has closed its doors again due to a dispute between partners, including local and state politicians . It is recalled that on February 25, the club "Beach- Boys & Babes" on Playa Norte was abruptly closed due to an alleged dispute between its members, but on March 4, former mayor Jorge Cardenas Bazan was arrested by the Federal Police at the Cancun airport, for the crimes of theft and malicious damage. He went before a judge on the island and was released the next day.
Now with the closure of the club in prime Christmas season, there are indications that this politician has been successful in this dispute concerning some 2600 square meters. The workers at the club, which has been closed by a court order, have gone to work at other businesses, located in Cancun and Puerto Morelos.
The conflict over this area of beach involves claims by Carlos Cervera Peraza, "Chichis" who was evicted last year and his two palapas were burned, causing damages of more than 500,000 pesos. At that time, he showed a document for his concession in the Federal Zone, along the southern part of the sidewalk along Rueda Medina.
This area was once known as "Playa Sol", and has eroded in recent years, and at least 10,000 square meters of sand have disappeared, with the destruction of a half dozen geotubes that were installed in 2007, to deal with the effects of Hurricane Wilma which occurred in 2005.
This is an unresolved issue, and municipal authorities have not shown an interest in recovering the beautiful image that is circulating on the internet, but in reality, part of that beach has eroded away and it is urgent that the "whales" be replaced.

Controversy over taxi union election Exigen nueva convocatoria en el sindicato de taxistas.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The political opponents of the reelected leader of the Taxi union say the JLCA ( Local Board of Conciliation and Arbitratio) should not give approval and should not allow Eduardo Peniche Rodríguez, "El Wato", to take office on January 5th. They say he should not be allowed to continue for three more years, which would extend his term to a total of 15 years, because the bylaws state the maximum is nine years. There is also controversy over the manner in which the election was conducted.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango
Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes
southwest to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

The
holiday period in Mexico from Dec. 12 to Jan. 6 is called
Guadalupe-Reyes (from Dia de Guadalupe to Dia de los Reyes/King's Day).
In Isla Mujeres, this is preceded by patron saint festivities Nov. 28-Dec. 8.

Festivities for the Patron Saint the Virgin of Immaculate Conception On the Town Square

Dec. 11 SundayCelebration in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the Chapel Guadalupana in
Meteorolgocia (which overlooks the Caribbean, across from Mango cafe),
with singing of Las Mananitas before midnight, possibly with Mariachis.

Dec 12 Monday Day of Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron Saint. People
honor her with pilgrimages and efforts of endurance, such as the annual
run around the island, which will probably be held in the morning,
usually from the downtown church to Punta Sur to the Guadalupe Chapel. There
is a procession in the afternoon with children dressed up as Juan
Diego, shepherds, and shepherdesses usually between the Chapel
Guadalupana and the downtown church, and sometimes there are horses. Juan Diego saw the vision of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the hill at Tepeyac, 485
years ago.

Dec, 16-24 Posadas Navidenas.
During the Posadas, there is usually a dance on the Town Square,
featuring regional dances & costumes from different states of
Mexico. The schools may have Posada plays, which are reenactments of
Mary & Joseph being refused shelter. Posada means 'inn'.

You
can drop off donations of toys at Rueben's restaurant, across from the
Mercado on Guerrero. Kids in Mexico receive presents on King's Day/Dia
de los Reyes on
Jan. 6. Currently the DIF is collecting blankets, coats, and other warm
items for residents in need in the Continental Zone on the mainland.

Dec. 24 Saturday Noche Buena / Christmas Eve
Ultramar
ferry is usually cancelled after ~11p, as well as the first crossing
Christmas morn. Some businesses are not open in the evening, because
families are celebrating together.

Dec. 25 Sunday Dia de Navidad / Christmas Day The first ferries may be suspended. No Noches Magicas performances.

Usually around this time the annual Quinceaneras event and Mass are
held at the Church of Immaculate Conception for young women who turned
15 during 2015 and who wear beautiful gowns. More info TBA when
available

Dec. 28 Wednesday Dia de los Santos Innocentes A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"

Dec. 29 Thursday 4-9 Artist Fair Casa de Cultura. Art, food, craft beer, music. Dec. 31 New Year's Eve Festival on the Town Square with live music and
fireworks. Tables can be reserved in advance, with information TBA.
The last ferries are usually suspended.

Jan. 1 New Year's Day People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur
The first ferries are usually suspended.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Celebrating New Year's in Isla Mujeres To celebrate New Year's Eve, some Isleno families set up tables in the side streets with pinatas strung overhead, and
dine on turkey stuffed with seasoned ground meat, while others crowd
the Town Square for live music, dancing, and fireworks. Each
neighborhood
brings in the New Year with a bang, and the skies explode with color
in all directions.During the NYE countdown, there is a tradition of eating
twelve uvas de buenas suerte (grapes of good luck), each
representing a month, with a toast of champagne or cider. The party on
the town square continues all night long. At the other end of the isle,
people gather at Punta Sur to greet the first rays of the sun at the eastern-most point in Mexico.
Other customs include
cleaning your house on New Year's Eve & sweeping out bad luck.
Wearing red underwear could bring you love in the New Year, or your
white undies may bring you peace, while yellow represents wealth. Those
who hope to travel should grab an empty suitcase and carry it around the
room or the block, and set it by the door. If
you drop a shoe on New Year's morn and it lands "boca arriba"
(face up) you will enjoy good luck in the upcoming year. The old year is represented by a life sized character called El Viejo,
The Old Man, who is later filled with fireworks and set ablaze. He may
resemble a politician, and he is usually holding cigars & tequila.
Fireworks are everywhere, and their names are metralletas (literally
"machine guns" – but it means fire crackers), cañones (larger fire
crackers), voladores (rockets in many different sizes), chifladores
(whistlers), and barre pies ("foot sweepers", that spin on the ground
& shoot sparks). Kids receive toys on Dia de los Reyes,
January 6, when families, friends, and coworkers share rosca de reyes.
King's cake, usually with hot chocolate. If you get the Baby Jesus,it
means you'll be hosting a party & providing the tamales on Candlemas
Day, Feb. 2.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Artist's Fairs are scheduled twice a
month, on the First and Third Thursdays, weekly on Thursdays at the Casa de Cultura, 4-9 thru April 20.

Primero el bienestar de las familias

Leer más..Full article at this link.
The Mayor participated in the delivery of assistance to beneficiaries of the federal PROSPERA program. He said his government is working hand in hand with the state and federal governments to improve living conditions for island families, to work together toward a more prosperous Mexico, that is inclusive and full of opportunities.
Mayor Juan Carrillo
Soberanis was accompanied by representatives of PROSPERA and the National
Savings Bank and Financial Services (Bansefi), City Council members, and the municipal director of Social Development, Alvaro Galué Magaña. The Mayor said that his government is committed to seeking better conditions
for the social development and the welfare of families. He said, thanks to programs like PROSPERA, more women,
children and young people now have access to quality medical care, food
and education.The PROSPERA program is the main strategy of the federal Government to counter poverty in Mexico; whose objective is for families to improve
their living conditions.Currently, it serves 6.8 million beneficiary families, who receive educational,
health and food assistance.

Increased police surveillance during these holidays

Intensifican la vigilancia policiaca

Para mantener tranquilidad en presente temporada

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 29 de diciembre.-

Leer más..Full article at this link.
The increased police surveillance will continue through the end of the year, when thousands of visitors flock to the holiday destination to receive the New Year enjoying the dance on the Town Square. They are conducting patrols about trucks, motorcycles, and cars, as well as on foot, in the downtown area, on the beaches, and in the colonias.
Naval patrols are also touring the isle, especially downtown where the largest number of visitors are concentrated. Both the Navy and the Police are expected to jointly monitor the New Year celebrations on the Town Square.
The Police Department reports that no major incidents have been reported, other than minor accidents and arrests for minor offenses, such as disturbing the peace.

FIDENA monitoring tourism boats

Fidena vigila a náuticos

Para evitar riesgos

There have been no incidents that put passengers at risk in any of the tourism boats during this holiday, despite increased demand for these services. The staff of the Harbor Master are being assisted by personnel with the Fideicomiso de Formación y Capacitación para el Personal de la Marina Mercante Nacional (FIDENA-National Merchant Marine Training Division).
During their surveillance tours they monitor that the boats are not overcrowded. that all documentation is in order, that passengers are wearing life jackets, and that the required safety equipment is on board, including lifesaver ring, radio, and first aid kit.
The officials report that all the vessels have been compliant with the maritime authorities, and this is expected to continue throughout the holidays.

Take advantage of the discount of prepayment of property tax by December 31st. If you pay with your Banamex card you can have 3 or 6 or 9 months without interest.Aprovecha este 31 de diciembre el descuento de "predial anticipado". Si
pagas con tarjeta Banamex obtendrás 3,6 ó 9 meses sin intereses.

Supervise children to avoid accidents. The poster says...Avoid accidents, don't use fireworks.Procuremos supervisar a los menores para no tener accidentes.

As part of their obligation to safeguard lives at sea, personnel with the 5th Regional Naval Base in Isla Mujeres assisted four Cubans (three men and one woman) at sea 55 nautical miles north of Cancun, who had been assisted by the ship MVFAIRLIFT, flying a Dutch flag. The operation began when a report was received from the ship MV FAIRLIFT, and the Cubans were found and rescued. They disembarked from the ship and were given a medical evaluation. They were found to be in good health and transported to the Naval facilities, where they were given food and hydration, before they were turned over to the Immigration Authorities, to determine their legal status in this country. It is a responsibility of the Navy of Mexico to safeguard human lives at sea and cooperate with Federal authorities to support human rights in accordance with agreements between institutions.

More trashMás basura [+] Ver masFull article at this link
There was more trash accumulated at the Trash Transfer Facility that had been expected, with about 5000 tons accumulated there three months ago, which should be completely removed by the end of January, to the regional landfill. They have removed about 3600 tons in the past three months, with about 2500 tons left, and they are transporting 85 tons daily.
At the beginning of this government, they estimated the accumulation to be 2500 tons but it turned out to be about double, which is why the removal wasn't completed before this holiday period. There was also a setback when the machinery that loads the trash was damaged, as well as when the ferry was limited regarding transporting large container trucks.
Regarding renewing the trash collection fleet, the Director of Public Services, Jose Rios Chale, said a three ton compactor truck came into service recently, which cause some annoyance among the employees because it was different from the previous ones, but it is functional and the employees will have to adapt to it, as happens. (Then it says something about according to a previous interview, the employees don't like the sloped floor (?) which should be flat). There is a problem covering routes in accordance to the scheduled hours of collection.
The Director said that in the early days of January, a10 ton compactor will be purchased for the Punta Sam Hotel Zone, and another 3.5 ton compactor for the island. Another 3.5 compactor will be purchased in mid-2017, to ensure the island is clean.
Regarding the routes and schedules, which should take effect in mid January, for the 'zona popular' (colonias) collection will be 5am to 1pm, and no trash should be put out after that time. In the island tourism area (downtown) there will be ongoing service in three shifts, with the last one at night from 10p to 3am.

Not being released No obtendrá su libertad .. [+] Ver masFull article at this link The
Attorney General of Quintana Roo has confirmed that Limbert Alejandre
Barrientos San Miguel, 27, who is suspected of assaulting a minor, is still in the
hospital, is under constant surveillance, with a pending arrest warrant, which has already been authorized by a judge, according to consulted sources. There
has been an oral hearing, and the legal protocols have been
complied with, so that the judge can issue the arrest warrant and
continue the process, and at the end
of this evening, that order must be complied with, to initiate the
judicialisation of the suspect . It was explained that the Prosecutor's Office is ready to complete the arrest warrant, which has already been granted by a judge. This announcement reassured the family of the 11 year old who
received 13 knife wounds on Monday. The child was hospitalized, as was
his assailant, who was beaten by the neighbors when they were capturing him. The officials at the Prosecutor's office denied that they were on vacation before, during, or after this incident and explained that the case was taken directly to Cancun to be heard. The case numbers are given. The child's grandmother, Norma Bacab Garrido, thanked the general public for their support for this regrettable incident that has occurred to their family. On social media, she said, "My friends, I think you very much for all the affection, my beautiful people, now let's allow the authorities to do their jobs. The aggressor is not going to be released, and will be tried for this brutal attack on my child." She added that what she wants is justice, and that the assailant gets the punishment he deserves. She wrote, "If that doesn't happen, it will be another story, He hurt my child physically and emotionally and must pay for what has done. Meanwhile, please don't post here about situations that are not related, nor offensive comments against other people. I thank you infinitely for all your support for my family in general."

Big Quinceañera danceGran baile de quinceañeras. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
About 15 young ladies who turned 15 this year will celebrate their Quinceaneras Friday at 7pm at the Convention Center, with their relatives and friends. About 350 plates are being prepared, and the Mass will be held at the Catholic Church on the Town Square. The dance will include a light and sound show, and the traditional presentation of the young women.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed.

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango
Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes
southwest to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

The
holiday period in Mexico from Dec. 12 to Jan. 6 is called
Guadalupe-Reyes (from Dia de Guadalupe to Dia de los Reyes/King's Day).
In Isla Mujeres, this is preceded by patron saint festivities Nov. 28-Dec. 8.

Festivities for the Patron Saint the Virgin of Immaculate Conception On the Town Square

Dec. 11 SundayCelebration in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the Chapel Guadalupana in
Meteorolgocia (which overlooks the Caribbean, across from Mango cafe),
with singing of Las Mananitas before midnight, possibly with Mariachis.

Dec 12 Monday Day of Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron Saint. People
honor her with pilgrimages and efforts of endurance, such as the annual
run around the island, which will probably be held in the morning,
usually from the downtown church to Punta Sur to the Guadalupe Chapel. There
is a procession in the afternoon with children dressed up as Juan
Diego, shepherds, and shepherdesses usually between the Chapel
Guadalupana and the downtown church, and sometimes there are horses. Juan Diego saw the vision of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the hill at Tepeyac, 485
years ago.

Dec, 16-24 Posadas Navidenas.
During the Posadas, there is usually a dance on the Town Square,
featuring regional dances & costumes from different states of
Mexico. The schools may have Posada plays, which are reenactments of
Mary & Joseph being refused shelter. Posada means 'inn'.

You
can drop off donations of toys at Rueben's restaurant, across from the
Mercado on Guerrero. Kids in Mexico receive presents on King's Day/Dia
de los Reyes on
Jan. 6. Currently the DIF is collecting blankets, coats, and other warm
items for residents in need in the Continental Zone on the mainland.

Dec. 24 Saturday Noche Buena / Christmas Eve
Ultramar
ferry is usually cancelled after ~11p, as well as the first crossing
Christmas morn. Some businesses are not open in the evening, because
families are celebrating together.

Dec. 25 Sunday Dia de Navidad / Christmas Day The first ferries may be suspended. No Noches Magicas performances.

Usually around this time the annual Quinceaneras event and Mass are
held at the Church of Immaculate Conception for young women who turned
15 during 2015 and who wear beautiful gowns. More info TBA when
available

Dec. 28 Wednesday Dia de los Santos Innocentes A day of practical jokes, similar to "April Fool's Day"

Dec. 29 Thursday 4-9 Artist Fair Casa de Cultura. Art, food, craft beer, music. Dec. 31 New Year's Eve Festival on the Town Square with live music and
fireworks. Tables can be reserved in advance, with information TBA.
The last ferries are usually suspended.

Jan. 1 New Year's Day People observe the sunrise at Punta Sur
The first ferries are usually suspended.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Celebrating New Year's in Isla Mujeres To celebrate New Year's Eve, some Isleno families set up tables in the side streets with pinatas strung overhead, and
dine on turkey stuffed with seasoned ground meat, while others crowd
the Town Square for live music, dancing, and fireworks. Each
neighborhood
brings in the New Year with a bang, and the skies explode with color
in all directions.During the NYE countdown, there is a tradition of eating
twelve uvas de buenas suerte (grapes of good luck), each
representing a month, with a toast of champagne or cider. The party on
the town square continues all night long. At the other end of the isle,
people gather at Punta Sur to greet the first rays of the sun at the eastern-most point in Mexico.
Other customs include
cleaning your house on New Year's Eve & sweeping out bad luck.
Wearing red underwear could bring you love in the New Year, or your
white undies may bring you peace, while yellow represents wealth. Those
who hope to travel should grab an empty suitcase and carry it around the
room or the block, and set it by the door. If
you drop a shoe on New Year's morn and it lands "boca arriba"
(face up) you will enjoy good luck in the upcoming year. The old year is represented by a life sized character called El Viejo,
The Old Man, who is later filled with fireworks and set ablaze. He may
resemble a politician, and he is usually holding cigars & tequila.
Fireworks are everywhere, and their names are metralletas (literally
"machine guns" – but it means fire crackers), cañones (larger fire
crackers), voladores (rockets in many different sizes), chifladores
(whistlers), and barre pies ("foot sweepers", that spin on the ground
& shoot sparks). Kids receive toys on Dia de los Reyes,
January 6, when families, friends, and coworkers share rosca de reyes.
King's cake, usually with hot chocolate. If you get the Baby Jesus,it
means you'll be hosting a party & providing the tamales on Candlemas
Day, Feb. 2.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Artist's Fairs are scheduled twice a
month, on the First and Third Thursdays, weekly on Thursdays at the Casa de Cultura, 4-9 thru April 20.

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

Click on the graphic to visit our website

...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.